Since my book-binge, at the end of December, I’ve found a desire to read return or at least balance with the need to switch off my mind. I’ve finished the last of Sarah Moss’ fiction I had left to read (and now I’m mildly bereft) and the Emily Next series by L. M. Montgomery (which I adored).

I got two extra ear piercings in my left ear lobe, bring the count to 8 ear piercings now. Some do adventures, some dye their hair, some do tattoos, I pierce my ears when I feel a strong desire for change.

Next step, move out.

Currently Reading:

The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood

Unfinished:

None!

I’ve Read:

Take Courage: Anne Bronte and the Art of Life – Samantha Ellis

Dune – Frank Herbert

Signs for Lost Children – Sarah Moss

Emily Climbs – L. M. Montgomery

Emily’s Quest – L. M. Montgomery

Stay With Me – Ayobami Adebayo

Idaho – Emily Ruskovich

Hard to pick a favourite from this lot, each one made me feel different in an incomparable way.

I had a very busy January but I am pleased to have still managed to finish 4 books. I love you ear piercings – I am very tempted to get mine down again. I wish you all the best in life and of course reading in February :-)

I like the piercings too, Alice! I’m quite conservative when it comes to my body—no piercings, no tattoos, and I’ve had pretty much the same haircut since I was twelve. Shaving the beard off and letting it grow long is about it as far as change goes. I had a good January, thanks! More non-fiction than usual, with The Fishermen being the only novel, but a good one. I’ll look forward to your review of Stay With Me—will probably read that when it comes out :)

Also adding that the piercings look good. I have wanted to get another couple in my ear done for a while but I seem to have turned into something of a coward these days!

I have just finished reading your review of Dune and now I am looking at it on my shelf (where it has been for, literally, years) being all large and imposing, and thinking I should probably read it at some point this year. Mostly because Patrick Stewart is in the movie. I’ll take my motivation wherever it comes from.